"I write because I find humor in the absurdities of daily life. Sometimes I feel sadness too, and I find I can write my tears away. I write when I'm angry and feel I must right a wrong. I write when I'm touched and want others to see beauty and gentleness. I write, as many others do, because I must." -Elaine Fantle Shimberg

Korean Boy Band 2PM Kicks Off "What time is it" Live Tour in Manila

Yesterday, I arrived at the Manila Hotel entrance amidst screams of excitement from frenzied fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the very popular Korean boy band 2PM. I regret not being able to stop and take a photo of the loyal followers who even came with signs written in Korean because I was already late for the press conference.

The group will be performing later tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena to kick off their 2013 "What time is it" Live Tour. This much awaited one-night-only concert is expected to draw thousands of fans who have been waiting to see and hear their idols sing live in the Philippines for the first time.

Filipino fans of 2PM, including several members of the media who enthusiastically greeted the members when they entered the press con area, consider the "What time is it" Live Tour in Manila a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch their favorite KPop superstars in the flesh. Says Nian Rigor, Head of IMC of Hoopla Inc., the local promoter of the concert, "They can expect a lot of exhilirating performances and surprises and it is definitely a show that should not be missed by every KPop fan.”

Although only five of the six members were present during the media conference, we were assured that the sixth one would be arriving early today with plenty of time to prepare for the concert. 2PM aficionados would be happy to know that Ok Taecyeon, Jang Wooyoung, Jun. K, Hwang Chanseong, Lee Junho, and Nichkhun will perform their hit singles “Hands Up”, “Heart Beat”, “Again and Again”, and “Crazy Over You” among other songs.

As a special treat, the band will also be performing songs from Legend of 2PM, their new Japanese album, which was just released last February 13 but has quickly risen to success after topping numerous music charts in Asia.

Apart from the already smashing hits, fans must watch out for the mix of acrobatic and eye candy dance moves that the Korean boy band sensation prepared especially for this tour to further thrill their Filipino audiences.

Nickhun expressed that they have always wanted to go to the Philippines. "And we have been preparing very hard to put up a good show for our fans. Now all of us are very excited and at the same time nervous for our first concert in Manila," he shared. "We have received many letters and presents from our Filipino fans and some even came to see us in Korea. We are grateful and we are really looking forward to finally meet them in person!"

Based on their track record, this South Korean boy band has already performed in sold-out venues all over Asia. Now, they're here in the Philippines for the launch of their 2013 2PM LIVE TOUR “What time is it” world series. After their gig in Manila, 2PM will visit the rest of their Asian fans with concerts at the Guangzhou Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China on March 30 and at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on April 8.

2PM is under the management of JYP Entertainment which also handles the Kpop girl group Wonder Girls. The boy band has been awarded by Oricon music chart for their 2PM Live 2012 Six Beautiful Days as one of the best concerts in Japan last 2012 and won the New Artist of the Year and Best New Artist in Asia at the 26th Japan Gold Disc Award. 2PM also received the Best Group Video award at the MTV Video Music Awards in Japan last year.

For those asking, ticket prices of What Time Is It: 2PM Live Tour in Manila are as follows:

Who is:

I am a contributing writer to various Philippine print and online publications. I blog because I enjoy writing about other topics that are not assigned by my editors. I'm a mom of four boys and wife to a man I consider my bestest friend in the world.

"I write because I find humor in the absurdities of daily life. Sometimes I feel sadness too, and I find I can write my tears away. I write when I'm angry and feel I must right a wrong. I write when I'm touched and want others to see beauty and gentleness. I write, as many others do, because I must." -Elaine Fantle Shimberg